This circuit workout can be completed in about 25-35 minutes including the warm-up before and stretching after. Warm up, perform the 6-exercise circuit 3 times and stretch. No rest between sets. Rest for 30 seconds after each circuit is complete.

Bam! Your workout is done with plenty of time to spare for the rest of your day!

I am a certified personal trainer, but this workout was not created for your specific fitness level and needs. Make modifications as needed. Intensity and rest periods should be based on your individual fitness level. See your physician before beginning any exercise program. This web site is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice and supervision of your personal physician. Any application of this or any other exercise routine set forth in this program is at the viewer’s discretion and sole risk.

Sumo Squat Touchdown (1) Place your feet apart as wide as you can while pointing toes outward. (2) Lower your body until your thighs are paralell to the floor. (3) Keep your chest lifted and eyes forward. Don’t lean forward or let your knees come out over your toes. (4) reach your left hand to the floor (try to tap fingertips on the floor if possible). (4) Exhale and press back to starting position. (5) Repeat with the other arm. Targets: inner and outer thigh, glutes, quads, hamstrings

Side Plank with Rotation (1) Start by lying on your right side, legs extended, with your left foot stacked on top of you right. (2) Support our body weight on your right elbow forming a straight line with your body. (3) Keep your belly button pulled in and your hips raised. (4) Extend your top arm toward the ceiling. (5) Rotate your body to reach your extended arm underneath your body, then extended the arm back up to start position. (6) Repeat on the other side. Targets: core obliques, shoulder

Pushup (1) Lie face down with your legs straight out in behind you and your feet together. (2) Bend your elbows and place your palms on the floor put to the sides of your chest. Position your palms so they are directly under your elbows. When your arms are bent they should form a 90 degree angle. (3) Your neck should be straight and your eyes focused on the floor in front of you. (4) Keep your abs tight. (5) Straighten your arms so that your body is hovering over the floor, balancing on your palms and the balls of your feet. (6) Bend your elbows and lower your entire body until your upper arms are parallel with the floor. (7) Exhaling, push back up to the starting position. Targets: chest, shoulders, triceps, abs

Pendulum Lunge (1) Stand on your right leg with foot rooted to the floor and left leg lightly placed on the floor next to the left foot, weights by your sides. (2) Lift the right knee up at at 90-degree angle, then step forward into a lunge. (3) Lunge the left foot forward, far enough so that knee is directly above the heel (it should not go past toes). (4) Hold for two seconds. (5) Lift left foot from front lunge to knee up, then extend same leg back to rear lunge with back knee bent. (6) Continue front and back lunges with right leg, then switch legs and repeat. Targets: glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves

Crunch Left-Center-Right and Reverse (1) Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor about hip width apart. (2) Place your hands behind your head being careful not to pull on your head and neck. Keep your elbows open and out to the side. Keep your chin up and off your chest. (2) Take a deep breath, then exhale curling your left shoulder to your right knee, hold for a moment at the top of the movement, fully exhale, then slowly lower yourself back to start position. (3) Take a deep breath, then exhale curling up and forward until your shoulder blades lift off the floor. (4) Take a deep breath, then exhale curling your right shoulder to your left knee, hold for a moment at the top of the movement, fully exhale, then slowly lower yourself back to start position. (5) Repeat in reverse direction, right-center-left. Targets: rectus abdominis, obliques

Mountain Climbers (1) Start in a plank position with your feet hip width apart. (2) Bend your right knee and with a spring in movement, bring your thigh under the right side of your torso. (3) Quickly spring back out to the start position while jumping your left knee in toward your torso. Keep your pace as fast as possible. Targets: cardiorespiratory system, chest, shoulders, lower abs, traverse abs

How do you make time for fitness when life is busier than usual?

Plan your workouts for the week and keep moving during the busy holiday season. Set yourself up to feel amazing.

This is a great circuit, Jill! My coach has me up to 3 days per week strength training now and he gives me short circuits like this – which make it less overwhelming to add on to an already busy training schedule. Thanks for sharing!

Killer workout with a great description for each exercise! And i agree, sometimes i love taking a break from my normal routine to just pump out a quick circuit. then i have so much time in the evening to get other stuff done

Sounds like a tough but great workout! I don’t have a ton of time to work out these days between my business and my daughter + another one on the way, but I try to squeeze in a couple of workouts a week if I can.

Another great one! Printing and bringing it with my for our Thanksgiving trip!! It’s hard to make time with little ones. I have to usually turn the tv on for them to get it done, but it’s important in keeping me a sane mommy so sometimes you’ve got to do whatever it takes!

Loving all these multiple direction moves – so fun – who would ever get bored with this workout! I love how you can make workouts fun!! And anytime I can get a workout in on a busy day, I’m a happy girl!! Pinning!

I love sumo squat touchdowns…They are fun and get the job done! 🙂 When it comes to a busy schedule, I plan ahead and make time for my workouts, because I know how much better I feel when I get them done. If it means going to bed earlier, waking up earlier, I just make it happen. And if life is too busy and fun, well I just make sure to have all the fun and take a break from a workout. It’s all about balance!

Love the instructions. The thing about circuit training is it helps keep you fit and healthy and importantly, it’s a perfect program for the busy bees. I thought there are lots more you can include in the list, but this is short and sweet. Perfect for all!

I love hearing from you, so thanks for taking the time to comment. I do my best to respond to comments, but if you have a more personal question feel free to email me at any time via the Contact Jill tab at the top of the page! Connect with:

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Jill is a wife, mom of 2, Psychologist, Certified Personal Trainer and Registered Yoga Teacher sharing a vision of healthy living to empower you to live a life of fitness, health and happiness and achieve your healthiest and happiest self. Jill believes in a balanced approach to wellness and is passionate about helping women love and care for their bodies in the midst of busy lives.

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